Patty Melts with Secret Sauce Recipe
A classic comfort food favorite, these Patty Melts feature juicy, seasoned beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy secret sauce layered between buttery toasted rye bread and melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe offers a delicious twist on the traditional burger sandwich with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
For the Patties:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Onions:
- 2 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Secret Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp finely diced pickles (or relish)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For Assembly:
- 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough if you prefer)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar for variation)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened, for spreading on bread)
- Make the Caramelized Onions: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter together with 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 thinly sliced medium yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Mix and Cook the Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well, then divide into four thin patties roughly the shape of your bread slices. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Transfer the patties to a plate and keep warm.
- Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon finely diced pickles or relish, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the Patty Melts: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side of a bread slice, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, one beef patty, a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions, a spoonful of the secret sauce, then another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches on the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted. Press gently with a spatula to help meld the sandwich contents together. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute rye bread with sourdough for a milder, tangier flavor.
- Swiss cheese is classic for Patty Melts, but cheddar works great if you prefer a sharper taste.
- Adjust seasonings in the patty mix according to your taste preferences.
- If you want extra caramelized onions, cook them longer on low heat for a deeper flavor.
- Make sure the skillet is hot but not smoking to achieve the perfect crust on the sandwiches without burning.
Keywords: Patty Melt, caramelized onions, secret sauce, beef patties, toasted rye bread, Swiss cheese sandwich, classic American sandwich